Backgammon Opening Rolls: The Point-Makers

If there's a time when one can make a move that's a no-brainer in backgammon, it would be at the opening roll. Backgammon opening rolls have been subject to study for a long time and starting moves have, more or less, been established. These include point-makers in backgammon opening rolls. So, what initial dice rolls cover a point in the game?

A three-one opening is one of the strongest starting rolls you can play. There's no better move to play this than to make your five-point, hands down. It's because you get to own an inner board point and you leave no chance for your opponent to anchor there. Hence, it gives you a higher probability of priming them later on.

Another point-maker for backgammon opening rolls is a four-two start. Again, much like a three-one roll, you get to make a home board point with this outset. Use a four-two start to cover your four-point. Aside from owning an inner board point - which is always good - it relieves your tall six-point by making use of checkers on it immediately.

You should make your three-point with a five-three opening. There's been some argument against making this move a few decades ago but it's been defended ever since. It does cover a point that's too close in but it's entirely safe. And keep in mind that for each point you own on your inner board - the more careful your opponent has to be from being hit.

Among point-makers in backgammon opening rolls, there's little dispute against making the above-mentioned plays. And making the bar-point (seven-point) with a six-one roll is no exception. It may not be an inner board point but it does create a blockade of three points or half a prime.

Now, there are contentions against this next point-maker in backgammon opening rolls. A six-four roll does allow one to make another inner board point - the two-point - but there are other strong plays presented like running a back checker and/or bringing a builder down. It's been said that covering the two-point at this time proves to be inflexible so it's not as compellingly recommended.

There are five point-makers in backgammon opening rolls. These include three-one, four-two, five-three, six-one, and six-four starting dice. With the first three mentioned, you should cover the inner board's five-point, four-point, and three-point, respectively. Given a six-one opening, make your bar- or seven-point for that partial prime. But if you're starting with a six-four, you can make your two-point with it but others do prefer to move their back pieces in stead.